IPOH, May 29 – The National Journalists’ Day Summit (HAWANA) 2023 was officially launched today by Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, at Hotel Casuarina@Meru in Ipoh, Perak. The summit brought together approximately 1,000 media practitioners, along with representatives from Malaysian journalists’ associations and clubs. Joining the Prime Minister at the ceremony were Deputy Prime Minister, YAB Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Chief Minister of Perak, YAB Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, and Minister of Communications and Digital, YB Fahmi Fadzil.
The Ministry of Communications and Digital (KKD) organized the event, which is being implemented by the National News Organization of Malaysia (BERNAMA). Under the theme “Free Media, Pillar of Democracy,” HAWANA 2023 aims to acknowledge and appreciate the significant contributions of media practitioners and local veteran journalists to the nation’s development. During the ceremony, the Prime Minister presented awards to the recipients of the HAWANA 2023 Award and extended assistance from the Tabung Kasih@HAWANA to three veteran journalists in need.
This gesture demonstrates the government’s recognition of the valuable role played by media professionals and their dedication to serving the country. HAWANA 2023 is the culmination of a three-day celebration, running from May 27 to 29, during which various activities and programs were organized for media practitioners and industry experts. In conjunction with HAWANA 2023, the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, granted the honor of delivering the Friday Sermon on the theme “Journalism: Accomplishing Tasks Based on Islamic Values” to three media practitioners in the state on May 26.
His Majesty also hosted a dinner ceremony at Istana Iskandariah in Kuala Kangsar, celebrating approximately 250 media practitioners participating in the HAWANA 2023 event. The significance of 29 May as National Journalists’ Day stems from the first publication of the Utusan Melayu newspaper on this day in 1939, which led to its gazettement as a special day to recognize the contributions of journalists. HAWANA 2023 serves as a platform to honor and acknowledge the tireless efforts of media practitioners in disseminating accurate and reliable information to the public.
It is a testament to the government’s commitment to upholding media freedom and supporting the vital role played by journalists in the country’s progress.
